News and Events Archives

(COLUMBIA, Mo.) -- Peggy Lamke Price, a 1943 graduate of Christian (Columbia) College, has retired from the board of trustees after 33 years of service. After a unanimous vote, the college named her trustee emeritus.

"Peggy has contributed so much to this institution over the past 40 years," said Dr. Gerald Brouder, president of Columbia College. "She has given the college her time, expertise and financial support, and has helped shape the future of Columbia College -- a future that is bright, due in large part to her efforts."

"These past 33 years as a member of the board of trustees have provided me with many memories of friends and leaders -- each member serving in a very special and important way," said Price. "Not only have I met extraordinary individuals, I've seen great minds at work. It's been a very humbling experience and a great privilege to serve on the board of trustees."

As a Christian College student -- the college was renamed Columbia College in 1970 when it changed from a two-year women's college to a four-year coeducational institution -- Price was active in the Geneva Young Double Sextet, Choral Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Spanish Club and Lineage Club. After graduating in 1943 with an associate degree, Price attended Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.) and received a bachelor's degree in English in 1945.

Prior to her service on the board of trustees, Price served as the college's homecoming chair in 1965 and the Missouri chair of the alumni fund from 1965-66. She served on the college's name-change committee in 1969 and was a toastmistress for the homecoming banquets in 1965, 1970, 1975, 1977 and 1979. She was active in the Columbia College National Alumni Association, serving as 2nd-vice president from 1967-69, 1st-vice president from 1969-71 and president from 1971-73. She also was an alumni trustee from 1975-81 and received the Columbia College Service Award in 1993.

"It's a privilege for me to encourage students to further their education," said Price. "Personal contact is so important. I enjoy introducing Columbia College to prospective students and learning about the college from the students' viewpoint."

The Price family legacy with Columbia College runs deep; five generations of her relatives attended or graduated from Christian or Columbia College between 1871 and 2007.

"Such pride I feel in Columbia College, and I know I'll always have solid reason to continue these feelings," said Price. "Our goal of providing students of all ages an opportunity for an excellent education so that they may experience more fulfilling personal and professional lives is happening now, in many innovative and awesome classrooms and programs. It's an exciting time!"

"We appreciate Peggy's unwavering dedication to Columbia College. She certainly is an inspiration for each of us on the Board and in the administration," said Brouder.

In addition to her service to Christian College and Columbia College, Price worked as a substitute teacher in Brookfield for 33 years and is active in the town's First Christian Church. Her late husband, Jim, owned and operated Price Clothing Co. in Brookfield for many years.

"The college is fortunate to have excellent leadership, coaches, faculty and staff," said Price. "If we compare the value of a great education to gold, we have a gold mine here at Columbia College."

Price said she treasures all the friendships she has made at the college throughout the years. "A part of me will always belong to Christian [Columbia] College," she said.